California Mayor: “Taxpayers should not support a cottage industry of billboard lawyers”

On Oct. 30, the Big City Mayor Coalition, which represents 13 of California's largest cities, announced a push to reform lawsuit abuse as it applies to the increasing amount of lawsuits against local governments. According to Inland Empire Law Weekly, the mayors are asking for reasonable limits on non-economic damages, liability proportionate to responsibility, and transparency about attorney fees. Under current law, according to a letter from the California Association of Joint Powers Authorities, a city found only slightly at fault can still be ordered to pay a plaintiff's entire economic damages.

Long Beach Mayor Rex Richardson said his city's insurance costs for litigation have doubled in three years, from $10.5 million to $23 million. He pointed to a $5 million verdict over a falling tree branch, then asked: “Imagine how many trees can be maintained with $5 million.” San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria added, “Taxpayers' dollars should not support a cottage industry of billboard lawyers.”

These costly lawsuit fees come out of the same budgets that fund parks, streets, and neighborhood services. Los Angeles is already seeing lawsuit abuse crowd out public services. Proportionate liability, predictable damages, and fee transparency would help keep that money working for Californians.